Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a light yet creamy Italian dish that balances tangy lemon with smooth ricotta, elevated by sharp Pecorino Romano and the subtle bite of pink peppercorns. It comes together in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
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In a large serving bowl, add the ricotta cheese.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the ricotta.
Zest the same lemon over the ricotta.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Before draining the pasta, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water. Add a few spoonfuls of the hot pasta water to the ricotta mixture.
Whisk the ricotta, lemon juice, zest, and pasta water together until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot to the bowl with the ricotta sauce.
Grate a generous amount of Pecorino Romano cheese over the pasta.
Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
For garnish, use a channel knife or zester on the second lemon to create lemon zest curls and sprinkle them over the pasta.
Finish with a sprinkle of pink peppercorns for a touch of color and excitement.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creaminess; do not microwave.
The sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated. Toss with hot pasta just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
Fusilli lunghi is ideal because its twisted strands trap the creamy sauce. Fettuccine, pappardelle, or bucatini are good alternatives.
Start with 1/4 cup and add more by the tablespoon if the sauce seems too thick. The starch in pasta water helps emulsify the ricotta.
Mascarpone creates a richer sauce; use 12 oz. Cream cheese works but is tangier. Avoid feta, which will separate when heated.
No. Black pepper, red pepper flakes, or fresh cracked black pepper are good substitutes for heat and visual interest.
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